"This time it's patents that will ensure the downfall of GNU/Linux and with it, the entire world of open source. But before hanging up your certified geek propeller-hat and retraining as a dental hygienist, you might want to consider the following brief history of Microsoft's use of fear, uncertainty, and doubt as a weapon against GNU/Linux." Hopelessly pro-everything-that-is-Linux, but an interesting overview of Microsoft's approach to Linux over the years nonetheless. Elsewhere, the Guardian looks at the challanges Microsoft is currently facing.
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Member since:2005-07-21
I mean 3.
It is a simple fact that Microsoft is trying to "make the best possible products and grow the Windows platform". That doesn't necessarily mean that they will, simply that they +intend to+. Your comment on the use of open-source development techniques (obviously without the source) for mere PR is simplistic.
The story concludes that Microsoft will lose. It is in that context that I argue that "Microsoft [has] strengths" and "Linux [has] weaknesses" that go unmentioned by the author. I am referring to Linux the platform/movement, not the product in particular.
It would be downright foolish to bet on Microsoft's demise due to poor product. Microsoft is, as Stalin would say, a "labor army", and a talented one at that. Indeed, .NET, XP SP2, and Server 2003 are great products. It's a simple fact that Microsoft has prioritized security, manageability, and developer productivity, two of which are relative weaknesses of Linux.
What if I told you I am pro-Linux and I +fear+ Microsoft's (likely) success? Do any of my statements actually contradict that?
Microsoft is clearly not going to roll over and give up. They will do +anything+ to remain the world's main computing platform, including (apparently to the shock of many in the Linux community) build great products. Linux had better continue to innovate - start with Standard Linux Base - or face defeat.
Edited 2006-04-01 22:39
Member since:2005-06-29
"Your comment on the use of open-source development techniques (obviously without the source) for mere PR is simplistic."
I wouldn't say it's simplistic, but rather that it is within the scope of the article whereas yours is broad enough to make just about any company look saintly with the right wording.
"The story concludes that Microsoft will lose. It is in that context that I argue that "Microsoft [has] strengths" and "Linux [has] weaknesses" that go unmentioned by the author. I am referring to Linux the platform/movement, not the product in particular."
Frankly the truth by your definition is that every platform and the ideals behind it have strenghts and weaknesses. It's so broad in that sense that no one wins.
"What if I told you I am pro-Linux and I +fear+ Microsoft's (likely) success? Do any of my statements actually contradict that?"
Microsoft is already successfull, or at least was. Lets face it, Microsoft had a huge peak, they dipped over 90% user share in a time when there were probably well over a billion people using computers if I'm not mistaken, and now they're very slowly fluctuating downards. This is the first time a company with the iron grip Microsoft had is being cut down, the first time always takes very long because people have no prior history of similar enough events to draw from, everyone is a skeptic and that stalls progress.
"Microsoft is clearly not going to roll over and give up. They will do +anything+ to remain the world's main computing platform, including (apparently to the shock of many in the Linux community) build great products. Linux had better continue to innovate - start with Standard Linux Base - or face defeat."
Ok, they cand build their "great products", open source developers can build greater ones if they want. Really people are in fear because of the size of Microsoft, some of it's software does have more features but that's just because companies funding open source software have yet to put their heart into it. Microsoft may be a giant of our time, but it's a giant made of people no different than then their counterparts outside of Microsoft.
Member since:
2005-06-29
Either you have an unrealistic admiration for Microsoft, or you're someone from their marketing department.
"They have co-opted the open-source culture"
Co-opted is:
1. To elect as a fellow member of a group.
2. To appoint summarily.
3. To take or assume for one's own use; appropriate: co-opted the criticism by embracing it.
4. To neutralize or win over
If you're implying number 1 then you're wrong, open and open-source are not the same. Also Microsoft controlls as much about the media about them as they can, you see what they want you to see, that's a very limited interpretation of open. Number 2 wouldn't be true, number 3 is in some ways true, and number 4 would be wishfull thinking.
"community involvement, agile development - to ensure that they make the best possible products and grow the Windows platform. "
I'm getting a very disturbing mental picture of bum cheeks covered in red lip prints.
"The topic of this conversation is "what's eating Microsoft". Insofar as we are contemplating their mindset and their future, it behoves us to acknowledge their strengths and, frankly, the weaknesses of Linux. "
You're saying lots of good thing about Microsoft without any slight mention of any of their flaws, yet you say nothing good about Linux, you only say something about "the weakness of Linux" which you did not elaborate on. As it is I am left to assume that the "weakness of Linux" is your way of trying to exaggerate the fact that like any other OS, Linux is not 100% perfect (yet you come across just short of implying that Windows is).
"I personally believe that Microsoft will beat +the promise+ of Linux, which is to replace Windows as the platform for computing around the world."
Ok, it's your personal belief. I think you're ringing the victory bell far too soon though.
"They will do this with superior planning and product,"
Well that is really a matter of opinion, I have to say I think you're all wrong. I strongly feel that you are very partial to Microsoft in a dangerously ignorant way. You are idolizing them.
"regardless of any underhanded legal tactics they employ. I am not making an ethical argument per say, I just acknowledge how their formula tends to win."
Only time will tell, you could be right or you could be the crazy guy on the street corner fortelling the end of the world, I'm trying (and just barely managing) to refrain from expressing my prediction on this one :-) .